News about agriculture in New York State and information farmers and consumers can use in their daily lives.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Applications Being Accepted for Food Program Grants

News from the USDA:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of
Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking application for money to assist low-income people and communities for developing local and independent food system.

The USDA announced Thursday the availability of $9
million. The National INstitute of Food and Agriculture is funding grants through the Community Food Projects program (CFP), authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill).

Grants are intended to help eligible, private, nonprofit entities in
need of a one-time installment of federal assistance to establish and
carry out multipurpose community food projects. Projects are funded from
$10,000 to $300,000 and up to 36 months.

"Community Foods Projects provide the opportunity for low-income
communities to become more self-reliant and take control of their own
food systems," said Sonny Ramaswamy, NIFA director. "These projects
create food systems that are economically equitable and socially and
environmentally sustainable, providing real solutions for communities
most in need."Community Food Projects involve the entire food system. Projects
assess strengths and establish connections among existing food systems,
resulting in improved food systems that support self-reliance.CFP is an important part of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food
initiative, which works to strengthen and support local and regional
food systems. More information on the initiative, including an
interactive map of CFP and other federally-supported local food
projects, can be found at: www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer.

The primary goals of the Community Food Projects program are to:

(1)
meet the food needs of low-income individuals; (2) increase the food
self-reliance of low-income communities; (3) promote comprehensive
responses to local food, farm and nutrition issues; and (4) meet
specific state, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs,
including needs relating to infrastructure improvement and development,
planning for long-term solutions and the creation of innovative
marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and
low-income consumers.Since 2009, NIFA has provided more than $28 million to 154 Community
Food Project awards in 48 states to help communities improve access to
healthy, local food.

Past projects include Philadelphia Green, which
supports small-scale growers in their efforts to bring fresh, locally
grown produce to the Philadelphia metro area, and RootDown LA, which is
engaging Los Angeles-area youth in community gardens.Funding for the CFP program is authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.